Daniel Sturridge: New Liverpool Striker Key to Silverware for Reds Next Season

Daniel Sturridge might be only four months into his Liverpool career. Yet for all you know, he might be a crucial player and the focal point for Liverpool's trophy aspirations next season. Let us try to forecast why.

I hate to admit it, but Luis Suarez might not be a Liverpool player next season. Whether it comes down to the owners, the player himself and/or a persistently shrewd buyer, it's quite possible the Uruguayan will leave Liverpool in the summer.

If Suarez does leave and Liverpool get a cash boost as a result, top options will not be attainable as the Reds will most likely not be in any continental competition.

From the players who will be within reach, most will find it difficult to adapt to a new style and system straightaway. Foreign options will also have the added burden of adjusting to a new league. And players who are not Suarez will most obviously not hit the ground running as El Pistolero did.

Fabio Borini will be starting all over again at Liverpool as his first season was laden with injuries. With what we have observed about the Italian in Liverpool colors, he has not enjoyed the physical nature of the league. Opposition teams most certainly know this by now and will be doing their utmost to deny Borini a successful stint at Liverpool. It will take a lot of character and time for Borini to realize his potential and see whether it matches Liverpool's expectations.

Liverpool have some sparkling young strikers in SamedYesil and Adam Morgan among others, but first-team chances will still be at a premium considering the low number of competitions Liverpool will be playing in next season.

Even if one of them does shine through, I doubt he will be capable enough to carry the burden of scoring goals consistently let alone score a number good enough for a whole season.

In such a scenario, Daniel Sturridge will unfortunately be the only one that Liverpool will have to look toward in order to score goals to be able to win games and get points on board. The midfield, bar Steven Gerrard, has not contributed a lot going forward this season. And were Gerrard to have an indifferent campaign next season, things could be scary for Reds supporters.

Sturridge cannot be expected to lead the line on his own, and that is why it is a must that Liverpool hold onto Suarez.

Thinking about Liverpool winning a trophy next season is being hopeful at best, but in case they were to, there is a good possibility that Sturridge might be the hero for the Reds in the absence of Suarez.